WELCOME to The WELLNESS FOURplay Podcast Episode 11: Happy Hormones, Part 3 - Serotonin & Endorphins   We KNOW that Knowledge is the "foreplay" to your Wellness, so we want to make sure you are equipped to optimize yours! Equipping you with the KNOWLEDGE you need to have the HEALTH you so desire!    Hormones that play roles in many bodily processes and they travel through the bloodstream. Four are specifically known for promoting positive feelings, happiness and pleasure: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. Make sure to get YOUR Daily D.O.S.E.!   Here are this episodes questions: 1. WHAT ARE SEROTONIN AND ENDORPHINS? -Serotonin is a naturally occurring substance that functions as a neurotransmitter, carrying signals between nerve cells throughout your body. Endorphins are chemicals the body releases when it is under stress or pain. Also chemical neurotransmitters carrying important messages throughout the body. Directly involved in our natural reward circuit. 2. WHY ARE SEROTONIN AND ENDORPHINS SO IMPORTANT? In the brain, Serotonin works to help with mood regulation and memory. Low Serotonin levels often leads to depression. Most Serotonin is found in the gut and is required for healthy digestion. Elsewhere in the body, Serotonin helps with sleep, sexual function, bone health and blood clotting/healing. Endorphins are related to important activities such as eating, drinking, physical fitness, and sexual intercourse. We do more of the things that make us feel good and we enjoy! Part of what helps ensure our survival! Endorphins surge during pregnancy and help minimize discomfort and pain and maximize pleasure. This helps us to continue functioning despite injury or stress. Endorphins help alleviate depression, reduce stress & anxiety and increase self-esteem!! 3. WHAT AFFECTS IS COVID HAVING ON SEROTONIN AND ENDORPHIN LEVELS? All Happy Hormones (D.O.S.E.) depend on social interaction, not social distancing. Wearing masks, social distancing and reduced opportunities to participate in activities we enjoy have severely limited the amount of Serotonin and Endorphins being properly released into our bodies. Reduced levels of Serotonin and Endorphins is leading to higher levels of teen and adult depression, hopelessness and suicide. 4. HOW CAN YOU INCREASE YOUR SEROTONIN AND ENDORPHIN LEVELS? - IF you are WELL... What the Hell!! Take OFF your mask and smile at others. Enjoy time with others that are WELL! Stay home if you are sick! Participate in activities that you enjoy. SEROTONIN • Many foods naturally contain Serotonin, but your body also needs other nutrients, such as tryptophan, vitamin B6, Vitamin D, and Omega fatty acids, to produce the neurotransmitters. Foods: Bananas, Beans (chickpeas, kidney, pinto, black beans), Eggs, Leafy greens (spinach, kale), Nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseed), Oily, fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), Probiotic/fermented foods (kefir, yogurt, tofu), Turkey. • Exercise, exposure to sunlight • Supplements: 5-HTP, L-Tryptophan, St. John’s Wort, Probiotics • Massage -ENDORPHINS • A.R.K. (Acts of Random Kindness) • SEX • Dark chocolate, Wine • Exercise, Music, Dancing • Personal care: Sauna, Massage Equipping you with the KNOWLEDGE you need to have the HEALTH you so desire! #WellnessFourPlay​ #HappyHormones​ #Hormones​ #Serotonin​ #Endorphins #Sex​ #EmpoweredWellness​ #wellness​ Our Happy Hormones are affected boy your Gut Health, balanced Neurotransmitters, and vitamins like B12, D, C and more... Contact us at DondeeAndMarci.com for information on our daily regimen! We have a $10 discount code available for the first FIVE that reach out!! DondeeAndMarci.com     SHOW LESS